Govee G1 vs Philips Hue Gradient PC Lightstrip
Two well-known monitor backlights with very different setups: Govee's hub-free G1 and Philips' Hue Gradient PC Lightstrip, which needs a Hue Bridge.
By Ethan Cole
Updated October 30, 2026
The Govee G1 and the Philips Hue Gradient PC Lightstrip both stick to the back of a monitor and follow the colors on screen through software on your computer. The difference is everything around the strip: Govee works on its own with an app and a desktop program, while the Hue strip needs a Hue Bridge and lives inside a whole-home lighting system.
Short answer: pick the Govee G1 for a 27 to 34 inch PC setup with no hub, and the Hue strip if you already own Hue and have a 24 to 27 inch monitor. Details below. Both appear in our guide to the best monitor backlights.
Side by Side
| Govee G1 | Philips Hue Gradient PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Listed monitor size | 27 to 34 inch, curved listed | 24 to 27 inch |
| Hub | None | Hue Bridge required |
| Screen sync | Govee Desktop software (VibraMatch) | Hue Sync app on the computer |
| Computer support | PC; Mac not stated | Hue Sync is offered for Windows and macOS |
| Phone app | Govee Home | Hue app |
| Voice assistants | Not covered on this listing | Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit |
| Gaming ecosystem | Razer Chroma, Govee DreamView devices | Hue entertainment areas |
| Amazon rating at review | 4.2 stars, 800+ ratings | 4.4 stars, about 150 ratings |
| Relative price | Mid-range for a monitor kit | Several times a USB kit, plus bridge if needed |
Govee Gaming Light for Monitor G1
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Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Gradient PC
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Setup: Hub or No Hub
The Govee G1 connects to the Govee Home app and uses Govee Desktop for screen matching. Nothing else is needed. The Hue strip needs a Hue Bridge, per Philips, plus the Hue app, plus the Hue Sync app on your computer for screen sync. If you already have a bridge, that is no extra cost; if not, the bridge is a separate purchase.
Size and Fit
Govee lists the G1 for 27 to 34 inch monitors and names curved screens. The Hue strip is listed for 24 to 27 inch. That makes the Govee the only choice of the two for a 32 inch or 34 inch ultrawide, and the Hue the only choice for a 24 inch screen.
Smart Home and Gaming Extras
The Hue strip’s strength is the rest of the Hue system: scenes, schedules, voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, and the ability to sync other Hue lights in the room to the screen. The Govee’s strength is gaming gear: Razer Chroma support and syncing with other Govee gaming lights through PC DreamView.
Rating History
At the time of review the Govee G1 had more than 800 Amazon ratings at 4.2 stars; the Hue strip about 150 at 4.4 stars. The Hue rating is slightly higher, the Govee rating rests on far more buyers. Both are strong for this category.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Govee G1 if
- You have no Hue Bridge and do not plan to buy one
- Your monitor is 27 to 34 inch, or curved
- You use Razer Chroma or other Govee gaming lights
Check current pricing and availability for the Govee Gaming Light for Monitor G1.
Choose the Philips Hue Gradient PC Lightstrip if
- You already run Philips Hue and want the desk light in the same system
- Your monitor is 24 to 27 inch
- You want voice control and automations, including HomeKit
Check current pricing and availability for the Philips Hue Gradient PC Lightstrip.
Neither follows a console plugged straight into the monitor, since both sync through software on the computer. Read the full reviews: Govee G1 and Philips Hue Gradient PC Lightstrip.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you mainly play on a console through your monitor, neither strip will follow the picture, since both read the screen through computer software; a camera kit is the workaround, see how to sync LED lights to a monitor. If you only want a neutral glow and no color, a plain white bias strip costs far less; see our monitor bias lighting guide.
How We Compared Them
We did not install either strip. This comparison uses each maker’s Amazon listing, Philips’ published Hue Sync information, and rating data at the time of review (October 30, 2026). Our method is on the How We Review page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philips Hue better than Govee for a monitor?
Only if you already use Hue or want HomeKit and Hue automations. For screen sync alone, the Govee G1 needs no hub and covers larger monitors.
Can the Govee G1 work with Philips Hue?
Not directly; they use separate apps. Govee lists Razer Chroma and Govee device sync, not Hue.
Which works with a Mac?
Philips offers the Hue Sync app for macOS. Govee does not state Mac support for the G1.
About the author
Ethan Cole leads research and editing at WikiHomeLED, comparing LED lighting for the home through manufacturer specs, manuals, safety listings and owner feedback. Every product is scored against the criteria on our How We Review page, and picks are updated when models change.